Frosty Female lead
First frost is a slow and pretty, actually very pretty story about trauma, living without fully living, fear and different types of stalking.Stalkier number one, intense dangerous, scary, the type that takes away women's freedom and forces them in to hiding. A real monster that no one who knows parts of the story should be able to ignore unless they willingly turn a blind eye...
The other handsome, ex boyfriend with lingering feelings. Some would call him devoted, honarbel, a man whoo kept his promisee... Romantic green flag who loves and supports his object, sorry I mean subject of affection etc.... others would see this as a great red flag and be terrified. I am going to keep this in the I know this is bad but i am going to enjoy watching him anyway, but no matter your gender or amount of abs please do not try this at home. And all should be fine.
The female lead is so talented, her expressions, lack of expression, the way she conveys emotions is outstanding. I loved her character, and There is one line in this drama delivered by her that pretty much has me forgiving the bad. She is playful at times, has great come back lines and as clearly broken as she is she still manages to push on, not in the happy and if I can over come this so can you way many other dramas will show but more real and with nuance.
The friendships are sweet, the villains are awful in every single way but also come with a certain nuance as well. There is also a sweet, sweet cat and the usual dead parens replaced by amazing grandparents.
Predictability is pretty high at times but I dare say this drama stands out from other dramas in the story telling, however there are parts that do not add up at all, romanticised stalking and a bit to many filler episodes as well as older selfs talking to younger selvs (I hate that) making it impossible for me to rate this higher than an 8.
Still I would recommend this for the female leads story.
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Can i have a decent watch this year!? Jeez
So, it has been a long time since i wrote a review, but This time i need to do it.Since i am not a chinese person i can't get all the details about the leads poor mandarin , the rent and so many other details that may not be accurate..If i were, those details would have make me drop the drama asap lol.
I actually felt for the female lead , BUT then the story needs to move forward. I can't keep on watching the same flashback again and again, after 9 episodes i started to fast-forward and that was the moment i knew i had to drop it.
And then damn it ! can't they just have a TALK!? like come on! you guys are adults, and there again if they actually had a talk like normal people do, the drama would have been 10 episodes long ahahahahah. But no, they had to romanticise sleep walking in a bed guy (i get were the female lead comes from, but this is not something that needs to be promoted). Just the thought of getting through this draggy story and somehow boring and not moving forward, helped me made the final decision to drop it. Maybe i will watch and edit on youtube to see if the female lead will ever get out of the zoombie phase lol and confess to the male lead.
Would not recommend it, would not rewatch it lol , i couldn't even finish it in the first place hahah: 4.5/10 for me.
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how are people giving 10 stars to this sorry excuse of a romance drama ....
firstly, plot. fl has absolutely no backbone whatsoever and solely relies on the oh-so powerful and handsome ml to save her from trouble. for someone who has had such a past with men and then willingly moving in with an individual of the male species is beyond me. i'm sorry but the characters actually made my blood boil the entire time.then, acting. did they not pay their electricity bills because i did not see nor feel a single spark between the main leads. ml is trying too hard to act nonchalant and mysterious and cold but instead just looks like a robot. fl, as mentioned earlier, gives me the impression of having no backbone nor the agency to figure out things on her own which in today's society of cdramas is quite infuriating to see and so 2000s-2010s. all she does is stare at the ml with her big round bunny eyes to convey every type of emotion.
oh and one last thing, as a chinese i needed to rely on subtitles because i had trouble understanding what the ml was saying at multiple instances. aka his enunciation was very muffled. next time please just hire a voice actor to dub him.
anyways all the hype just for this?? just read the manhua or smth it actually pains me to sit through and watch this
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Perfect Combination from All Department
It's just as the title said, i believe this drama has such a strong of hype in terms of popularity (reach 9K heat index on the 2nd day of airing and this day doesnt even ended yet) with tons of ads, and high points everywhere be it yunhe is because of how strong and amazing the delivery of this drama is.When mentioned about this drama, things that left strong impression to me is:
1. The iconic scene of fireworks during new year - God....can anything even beat that???? The adaptation is CHEF KISS. The acting? Amazing! The OST? PERFECT! The cinematography? PHENOMENAL.
2. Colour grading aka the cinematography - Throughout watching the entire eps till now, i believe the director has done such an amazing job in directing this drama, every part, every scene felt carefully crafted, its so visible the directors and production team had a clear vision on how they wanted to deliver this drama. And they did. 👏👏 Absolutely love how the titles at the beginning completed at the ending, the format change, the filtering used, woah woah woah. Lunatic!
3. OST - Crazy line up after crazy line up. You could guess that this is an S project based on the lineup alone lmao. Perfectly included during scenes gahhh OSTs are always the best! The OST played during the 'white moonlight' part and during at the school track, deeeeeply left a very strong impression to make the story better.
4. THEE CASTING - ZHANG RUONAN AS WENYIFAN. I cannot see anybody as her tbh. They changed and added few more scenes that wasnt included from the novels such as she didnt get SA that much in that novels but here she's been through a lott. Thats scary even when theyre acting and i think it shows. That screaming was truly real, that crying....i just knew this is her niche area....also...she's so gorgeous here?!?!?????? Like ??????? Bajingting also did such a great job too his eyes are literally always on wyf. Might be the most perfect cast for sangyan i said what i said. Also that father....yeah he has such a tear jearking voice and face i did suggest yall to buy more tissues when that scenes arrive.
Actually still had a lot to say but this is wayyy long enough, my conclusion is if you wonder whether this is worth you watch? If you're into youthful romance, heartbreak, trauma, angst and painful scenes, I did say hell yeah it sure does worth your watch!
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Too slow
The feeling I had with Hidden Love is not the same feeling I have for this drama. Its too slow and MCs has no chemistry. If according to other reviews outside this app, the main actor is famous, but he has no chemistry w the main actress. Sang Yan in Hidden love is not the serious type. His character complete changed in this spin off. The lovable by all Sang Yan is a totally different person. Although this is suppose to be the view of the main actress about his feeling for Sang Yan but hmmmmm...... Sang Yan is not Sang Yan. If they incorporated the humor Sang Yan had in Hidden Love with this new Sang Yan character it would have made sense.The feeling I have watching this is not a spin off but I am trying to program myself to watch a totally different character and story.
Time line is not accurate either they tried to put Sang Chi in this but the relationship of the 2 siblings is not even close to the relationship they had in Hidden Love. I wish when making script, the write should try to interconnect this script with the original even if using different actors.
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I can not stand.
At first I watched it because it was highly recommended and very popular. The actors also had a good impression and good acting. But.....After watching 6-7 episodes I still haven't found anything interesting.This drama is basically helped by 1. The actor's visuals 2. The relevance of HL if this is a drama that aired before hl without the hl tail, would it be popular I don't think so. 3. The actress is on the rise Zhang Ruonan.
To be honest, the story is monotonous and very confusing, I don't know if the novel is too. The deep romantic impression and sadness are even very thin. The dialogue is very bad, b Really can't describe the characters any more. If it weren't for the smart actors and actresses, this drama would probably fail.
The background music is totally inappropriate for the conditions and scenes in the drama, come on, lately there are many dramas with quality music and momentum atmosphere. I don't know anymore.
Epilogue and the plot that is made forward and backward, at least if you want to make a plot like that, it can be tidied up a bit so that it is not messy and damages the story of the scene, prioritize the main focus. The acting of some supporting actors is really stiff, except for the second couple Zhang miaoyi who steals the show a bit. The couple looks interesting and funnier.
Sorry but finally I can express it, because previously I was afraid that everyone would give 10 stars and not have the same thoughts, but finally there were some people who also realized and Also feel the same way. Not fixated on existing trends.
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stunning cinematography and great acting
first of all, this drama’s cinematography was stunning—dare i say, the best aspect of the show after the acting. special kudos to BJT and ZRN; without these two, the drama wouldn’t have been the same. however, some questionable decisions were made about writing. firstly, WYF’s past took too long to be revealed. secondly, the side couple’s storyline became overwhelming. at first, i wasn’t annoyed by them, but after SHA’s father was diagnosed with alzheimer’s, it felt like they became the main couple instead of WYF and SY. i would have preferred five fewer episodes rather than watching these two dragged-out storylines.that being said, i recommend this drama to anyone who enjoys stories about men longing.
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The first frost delivers it all : My top cdrama in 2025
My most anticipated C-drama since last year.For 4eps, it's perfect. Everything is perfect.
I read the novel so I know the story.
Opening scene, transition, dialogue, chemistry, sadness, comedy, cinematography, ost, plot are 10/10.
Visual sangyan x wen yifan are top notch.
For now, I am satisfy with this drama, I hope until eps32 it serves the best.
Oh I also like the ending, how they inserted the slight throwback for each eps and also giving each eps the title.
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Will your first love stay in your heart forever?
I know maybe it's too early to write a review here, but I've already fallen in love with this drama.I'll be writing about what I think and what my heart feels while watching this drama.
At first, I started watching it just out of curiosity because I had nothing else to watch. I haven’t seen the parent story or read the novel, so I had no expectations at all. But it turns out, from the very first episode, I completely fell in love with this drama. 😻
As a regular viewer, I can truly feel the pain in Yifan’s gaze—how she faces life and carries her burdens alone. Meanwhile, for Sang Yan, his lingering love is so obvious, yet his sadness is also deeply conveyed.
My heart feels so heavy watching this. Their first meeting after years apart felt awkward yet natural. I also realized that this drama has a very realistic depiction of everyday life. For example, Yifan’s best friend’s family lives in a large household in a public housing complex, which is different from most dramas where characters often live in modern apartments.
The transitions between scenes are incredibly smooth. As someone who appreciates visuals, I really enjoy how the cinematography is presented in this drama—the color tones are perfect and easy on the eyes. And let’s not forget the OSTs—they're absolutely amazing! I immediately searched for the songs to add to my playlist.
I’m adding this drama to my list of favorites, and I’ll definitely rewatch it in the future.
I’ll update the story rating if it goes well until this drama finish. ✨
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you know a show is SO good when you write a review about how good it is before finishing it!
Sang Yan the man you are!! oh boy i still didn't finish it but this gives me k-drama vibes. I've never watched something like this in a c-drama so it feels different. So in love with this, really!! i was hesitiant at first because i don't like Life/meldodramas. this is really really deep, it touched me deeply, sang yan i've never seen someone so loyal in their love and devotion, he really IS the standard. I had to pause, smile and giggle all on my own and then continue watching. Never skipped a scene! which is very rare of me to do. got hooked up from ep 1 and throughout the story.10/10 for me and i don't need to finish it determine that its a 10/10.
P.S: this is my first review ever!! this is how much i loved this show, felt the need to write a review.
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Yearning, check! Rage-inducing, check! A man devoted, check!
This was slow-burn and emotional and even rage-inducing at times. I thought it started strong and ended strong. It got a little rocky for me in the middle there, not gonna lie, only because I felt like we're going in circles at times, I tend to feel that way in cdramas because of the amount of the episodes honestly. Still, the payoff was good. The characters are loveable and definitely ones I ended up rooting for. Both Sang Yan and Wen Yifan had quiet strength and intensity in them which I liked.Utimately, I like that Sang Yan and Yifan brought out the best in each other. When they're together, both of their personalities shine which was also what I was missing during the middle parts of the drama. I just wanted that oomph from both of them, you know?! Anyway, Sang Yan's love was truly admirable. He was so patient and selfless and it was unconditional. I think he was emotionally intelligent and for the most part, he understand Yifan and him are on different journeys that's why he just checked in on her quietly through the years. I guess there's some negative reaction about their dynamics but I don't know, I'll buy this one, seeing the whole picture and all. I am proud of Yifan's growth in here overall. It was slow and there was a push and pull there but in the end, she took back her life.
The last scene between Yifan and her mom was probably my favorite because it was just so rewarding. I'd be mad if we didn't get that scene. Her monologue was everything and again, I'm so proud of her for putting her mom in her place. Yes, of course, that abusive man and his sister was rage-inducing but Yifan's mom? [screams]. Her daughter was literally begging and telling her that her life was in danger! And when something did happen (girl literally jumped off the window to get away from that man!), she still didn't believe her. And for what?! Just because Yifan, her teenage grieving daughter didn't get along with her step-daughter who is also a teenager?! I'm glad Yifan brought out this fact too, that she can afford to take her in, she just chose not to.
I also adored the second leads here. They're just so cute and interesting and their storyline has also kept me engaged. So nice to see Zhang Miao Yi in an adult role. I've only seen her play the sunshine-y high school girl so. (But then again, if someone was going to get a pass for playing a high school girl multiple times, it's probably her lol).
Great proposal scene too by the way! It was so personal and intimate which I loved. (well, their two best friends are also there lol but they're all happy about it so it's just really a sweet, happy, emotional moment)
Overall, I thought this was well done. Visually beautiful too! Both Zhang Ruo Nan and Bai Jing Ting portrayed the roles of two young people in love, including the awkwardness of it all, really well. Then in adulthood, oh the yearning was delivered! We love yearning here lol. I thought they're also really good with the emotional scenes. So yeah, this was a great watch.
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A storytelling masterpiece about romantic and self love wrapped in a bow of excellent production
It’s been a few days since I finished the show and while I can’t remember every single detail, there are certain plot choices I want to highlight because of how good they were:- **Flashback set up:** I normally don’t love jumping between timelines, but the way this show does it is phenomenal. It not only builds up their romance, but also helps unravel who they are as individuals and who they have grown into.
- Usually when we flashback, the actors are so obviously adults it’s disturbing but Bai Jing Ting & Zhang Ruo Nan have faces that really allowed them to seamlessly play high school and adult characters. So the casting for these two was 10/10.
- **The “set up” for assault:** I hate sad stories only because the real world is full of them. 1 in 4 women experience sexual assault including attempted sa. ~ 78% of rape cases involve someone the victim knows so to have this story really set the stage for this creepy uncle with concerning easy access to a young vulnerable girl was important to me in terms of properly representing that it’s not just strangers that hurt women.
- **When she talks to her past self (Ep. 29):** This scene almost broke me. It was such a great visual representation of healing and moving on from the scars that can haunt you.
- **Her mother’s apology (Ep. 30):** We can see that Yifan’s mom does not deserve her daughter, but Yifan for much of the show is still trying to meet her mom half way, so you aren’t really sure as a viewer how she will finally make peace with her mom. I love that she chose to let her mother completely go.
- **Secondary romance:** I usually enjoy the secondary couples in these romance shows, but Zhong Si Qiao and Su Hao An were such an excellent story. They felt like a different show (in a good way). Their plot didn’t overshadow Sang Yan & Wen Yi Fan but it also wasn’t so basic as to feel underwhelming/unneeded. It’s usually that the secondary couple(s) are “assigned” a basic trope and their story is squished in the few extra minutes the show has where its not a bad romance but there isn’t enough substance to really care or root for them. But I truly feel like we got to see Zhong Si Qiao and Su Hao An grow as individuals as well as a couple. I would LOVE a show that follows their kind of romance of oopies to old classmates to friends to lovers.
And OF COURSE the main romance. This is it’s own essay that it can’t be a bullet point. I have a lot I want to say about this relationship.
- It’s practically impossible for fated mates trope to be used for a contemporary romance, and yet, this show truly made me double think that. These two were truly made for each other and are fated.
- Sang Yan: He is stubborn, narcissistic, and brooding – but so very hot and perfect. Even with his “negative” traits at the forefront, we know his heart absolutely belongs to Wen Yi Fan. It real life, there is a bit of a creepy, stalker aspect to how in love he is with her even after she breaks his heart, but some how in this story it just works. Probably because Wen Yi Fan has been abandoned by her family and is alone in this world, but Sang Yan keeps his high school promise that she will never really be alone because she has him.
- Wen Yi Fan: She is traumatized and insists on running rather than facing trouble onwards BUT we can understand very well why. Her actual personality is witty and kind with a sprinkle of cutie-patootie. I love that she has always adored Sang Yan but that life and haters held her back from really indulging her feelings. Watching her grow into herself to gain confidence and defend herself was really beautiful. Seeing her find strength within herself but then learn how to depend on those that love her was the cherry on top.
All in all, this is not a light and fluffy romance, but it is a storytelling masterpiece with a happy ending.
### Original Thoughts & Ideas
- I wish parents had more counseling and guidance about how to really care for their child. Yifan was not wrong when she said the worst betrayal was not her aunt and uncle, but from her very own mother. This woman birthed and raised her for ~15 years, but just completely abandons her when hard times hit.
- Parents are not *owed* forgiveness when their actions play a direct role in your deepest hurts. While some children can make space to try and repair their relationship, sometimes the damage and hurt is too deep to ignore and that is okay.
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